CBS Corp. and Warner Bros. Entertainment announced that Mark Pedowitz has been named President, The CW Television Network, replacing Dawn Ostroff, President of Entertainment for The CW since 2006. The CW is a joint venture of CBS Entertainment and Warner Bros. Entertainment. Previously, Pedowitz served as President, ABC Studios, from 2004-2009. He also helmed an independent production banner, Pine Street Entertainment, on the Warner Bros. Studios Burbank Lot since February 2010. Pine Street’s pilot, “Meet Jane,” executive produced by Pedowitz and Andi Bushell in association with Warner Horizon Television, is in contention for a series order from Lifetime.
Ostroff informed both CBS Corp CEO Leslie Moonves and Warner Bros. Chairman and CEO Barry Meyer of her decision to leave back in December. Ostroff is leaving to relocate from LA to New York with her family.
Pedowitz is replaing Ostroff next month, but he will also have broader responsibilities in the CW’s business operations than she does now. Ostroff oversaw entertainment operations while COO John Maatta handled business affairs. Now Maatta will report to Pedowitz. Even though Pedowitz is joining the CW after it has ordered pilots for next season, he will reportedly be involved in the network’s upfront presentation to advertisers in mid-May.
“Mark is a seasoned industry leader possessing a strategic combination of business savvy and strong relationships with the creative community,” said Bruce Rosenblum, President, Warner Bros. Television Group. “He’s the perfect executive to help us take the network to the next level: a key content driver with vast experience in all disciplines.”
